Orioles’ Hyde gives slumping Mullins a rest

BALTIMORE—Centerfielder Cedric Mullins isn’t in the Orioles’ lineup for Saturday afternoon’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mullins has missed only one of the team’s first 37 games, but he’s in a prolonged slump.

Since April 21st, Mullins’ average has plummeted from .269 to .193. He’s currently 5-for-52.

“He’s pressing big time,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “I just want to give him an evening to relax a little bit.”

In 2021, Mullins was the only Oriole in team history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. Last season, Mullins had two stints on the 10-day injured list with right adductor/groin strains. He hit only .233 and was hitless in 12 at-bats during the Division Series against the Texas Rangers..

This year, Mullins has six home runs, 18 RBIs and six steals in eight attempts, He hasn’t homered since April 26^th.